It looks as if the Batman and Superman movie poster seen in I Am Legend is set to become a reality, as yesterday Zack Snyder announced that the sequel to Man of Steel will feature Batman.

Those that have seen Man of Steel will know that there is an Easter Egg hinting that the characters share the same universe and it’s been pretty hard to ignore the various rumours circulating that a Justice League film is on the way.

But yesterday’s annoucement pretty much cements the fact that Warner Brothers do intend to expand the DC universe beyond that of Kal-El and friends.

At the San Diego Comic Con, Zack Snyder brought Harry Lennix onstage to read out “I want you to remember, Clark, in all the years to come, in all your most private moments, I want you to remember your hand at your throat. I want you to remember the one man who beat you.” – a line that many Batman fans will know, is taken from Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns.

While it’s not expected that the film will be a direct adaptation from Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight, Zack Snyder has confirmed that the story will serve as some inspiration.

“We’re not adapting this thing, but it is the thing that will help us tell that story”

Zack Snyder on how The Dark Knight Returns
will inspire the Man of Steel sequel

It’s also been confirmed that Henry Cavill will return as Superman, along with Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Lawrence Fishburn (Perry White) and Diane Lane (Martha Kent).

The official Warner Bros press release is below:

NEXT DC SUPER HERO MOVIE IN PRE-PRODUCTION
Director Zack Snyder Unites Superman and Batman in One Explosive New Film

BURBANK, CA, July 20, 2013 – On the heels of the worldwide success of “Man of Steel,” director Zack Snyderis bringing together the two greatest Super Heroes of all time—Batman and Superman—for the first time on the big screen. The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution,Warner Bros. Pictures.

The current hit, “Man of Steel,” has taken in more than $630 million at the worldwide box office to date, and climbing. Along with its star, Henry Cavill, the upcomingfilm brings back Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane. The new Batman has yet to be cast.

Snyder is co-writing the story with David S. Goyer, who will then pen the screenplay. Production is expected to begin in 2014, with an anticipated release date in Summer 2015.

Silverman stated, “Zack Snyder is an incredibly talented filmmaker, but beyond that, he’s a fan first and he utterly gets this genre. We could not think of anyone better suited to the task of bringing these iconic Super Heroes to the screen in his own way.” Kroll added, “We are thrilled to be back in business with Zack and his team on this next movie. The success of ‘Man of Steel’ is a wonderful testament to the love and support that both fans and new audiences, worldwide, have for these characters. We are very excited to see what Zack has in store for all of us.”

About The Author

Colin lives in south west London. Looks like a hobbit and has been watching films ever since he saw Return of the Jedi at the age of 3. You can follow Colin on Twitter @obicolkenobi.